Torque Converter: Inspection

A visual inspection of torque converter may reveal converter is Blue from overheating. If torque converter has been removed from vehicle, stator roller clutch can be checked by inserting a finger into splined inner race of roller clutch and attempting to rotate race in both directions. You should be able to turn the race clockwise, but should have difficulty in moving the race counterclockwise or you may be unable to move the race at all.

Torque converter must be replaced for any of the following reasons:

• External leaks appear in the hub weld area.
• The converter hub is scored or damaged.
• The converter pilot is broken, damaged, or fits poorly into the crankshaft.
• Steel particles are discovered after flushing the cooler and the cooler lines.
• The pump is damaged, or steel particles are discovered in the converter.
• The vehicle has TCC shudder and/or no TCC apply.
• Replace the torque converter only after all hydraulic and electrical diagnosis have been made.
• The converter clutch material may be glazed.
• The converter has an imbalance which cannot be corrected.
• The converter is contaminated with engine coolant which contains antifreeze.
• An internal failure occurs in the stator race.
• Overheating produces heavy debris in the clutch.
• Steel particles or clutch lining material is found in the control main filter or suction filter or on their magnets when no internal parts in the unit are worn or damaged.
• This condition indicates that lining material came from the converter.

DO NOT replace torque converter if any of the following conditions exist:

• The oil has an odor or the oil is discolored, even though metal or clutch facing particles are not present.
• The threads in one or more of the converter bolt holes are damaged. Correct the condition with a new thread insert.
• Transmission failure did not display evidence of damaged or worn internal parts, steel particles or clutch plate lining material in the unit and in the control main filter or suction filter.